Barre is known as The Granite Center of the World. Its downtown, with several prominent sculptures and granite faced buildings, reflects that heritage.

The granite industry blossomed in the late 19th century, due to technological advances and changes in architectural fashion. Its famed quarries and the Rock of Ages plant are on, naturally, Quarry Hill, just minutes of downtown. There is an estimated 4,500-year supply of Barre Gray granite still to be quarried out of the surrounding hills.

Local cemeteries showcase the artistry of generations of stone sculptors, including intricate carvings and life-size statutes.

City Hall Square, with its bandstand, is the site of concerts and art exhibits, and is surrounded by historic churches. Barre Auditorium and Outdoor Recreation Center provide venues for a variety of activities. Studio Place Arts, created by a group of artisans, contains a gallery, studios, offices, photographic darkroom and café.

The influx of educated and sophisticated workers also brought Barre a diverse cultural heritage. They built the Barre Opera House and Socialist Labor Hall; both have been restored.

The Opera House hosts both local and national artists. The Labor Hall now hosts community and statewide gatherings. Work is now in progress for the Vermont Granite Museum of Barre, which will open in May at Barre's north end.

The Stone Arts School, part of the Vermont Granite Museum, features world-class granite sculptors, including Guiliano Cecchinelli, who teach this centuries old art, key to Barre's development, to young people.

Barre is also the home of the Vermont Historical Society (VHS), an historic attraction of statewide importance. The Vermont History Center, located in a 19th century historic landmark, houses the society's collections. The research library, the largest genealogical resource in Vermont, is also located here.